Training for ChangeSince 1992, Training for Change has been committed to increasing capacity around the world for activist training. When they say activist training, they mean training that helps groups stand up more effectively for justice, peace and the environment. They deliver skills directly that people working for social change can use in their daily work. Their website also has a lot of great resources for leading your own trainings on a variety of topics

The Ruckus SocietyRuckus offers several different action camps focusing on nonviolent direct-action theory, tactics, and popular education methods. They can also send experienced direct action trainers to your group for whatever you need.

The Washington Action Group (W.A.G.)W.A.G. is one of the premierre local groups that combines non-violent direct action and the arts to create a truly unique blend of activism. They provide trainings on nonviolent direct action, history, philosophy, strategy and tactics, facilitation, consensus process, media, strategic planning for organizations and ampaigns, creative resistance and the arts of protest, construction and use of giant props and, puppets, logistics for actions, mass action platforms, blockades, street theater and more.

Washington Peace CenterIf you can't find what you're looking for, get in touch with the Peace Center and we'll help you get trained in whatever you need to know.

Where to go get trained:

DC Trainer's NetworkThe DC Trainers’ Network monthly skillshare is a structured, interactive space where people can share skills and gain confidence in their training abilities and everybody is both a teacher and a learner. We strive to provide an inclusive practice space to experiment with different approaches for learning and teaching. This skillshare seeks to strengthen the DC activist community’s ability to meet the needs of progressive social movements. Organized by the Washington Peace Center.

Highlander CenterHighlander serves Appalachia and the South with programs designed to build strong and successful social-change activism and community organizing led by the people who suffer most from the injustices of society. Highlander helps activists to become more effective community educators and organizers, informed about the important issues driving conditions in communities today. Highlander was founded in 1932 and has a long and powerful history, particularly in the labor and civil rights movements.

DART Center (Direct Action and Research Training Center)DART’s mission is to engage congregations in a process of building congregation-based community organizations that have the power to pursue and win justice. The DART Organizers Institute is a paid, field school created to recruit and train great community organizers, as well as strengthen DART’s mission to build power and win justice.

Midwest AcademyMidwest Academy is a leading national training institute for the progressive movement. The Academy advances the movements for social change by teaching a strategic, rigorous, results-oriented approach to social action and organization building. The Academy provides training (introductory and advanced level) and consulting, equipping organizers, leaders, and their organizations to think and act strategically to win justice for all.

Training for ChangeSince 1992, Training for Change has been committed to increasing capacity around the world for activist training, specializing in training for trainers. When they say activist training, they mean training that helps groups stand up more effectively for justice, peace and the environment. They deliver skills directly that people working for social change can use in their daily work. Their website also has a lot of great resources for leading your own trainings on a variety of topics.

Green CorpsGreen Corps’ Field School for Environmental Organizing trains college graduates to run environmental campaigns, from building a core group of activists to convincing decision-makers to pass laws, change policies and create reforms to protect our environment. It is a one-year, full-time, paid program that includes intensive classroom training, hands-on field experience running urgent environmental and public health campaigns, and career placement in positions with leading environmental groups.

New Organizing Institute (NOI)The New Organizing Institute was created by organizers who use all available new (and "seasoned") technologies to spark and coordinate activity both online and offline. By training new online organizers and technologists, our goal is to infuse this new field with talented staff, to connect and energize a new generation of progressive activists, and to solidify long-term progressive power.

Wellstone Action!This national network trains progressive activists, organizers, and candidates in communities all over the country.

Center for Progressive LeadershipThe CPL provides leadership trainings for activists and potential electoral candidates and staff, and connects young people with paid internships at progressive organizations.

Where to find help for leading your own training:

Network for GoodWebsite that offers online nonprofit fundraising trainings and a large archive of past trainings.

RANT CollectiveThe Root Activist Network of Trainers is a small collective that provides training, action planning, and support for various social justice groups and mobilizations across the world. Their website has a fantastic collection of invaluable educational materials dealing with action planning, anti-oppression, and consensus decision-making.

Organizing for Power Lisa Fithian has been organizing for 35 years between the global justice, anti-war, student, labor, and environmental movements, and has collected all her resources and knowledge here on her website. Look here for some excellent conceptual tools to think about power, strategy, and organizing for social change and liberation.